Man confident he displayed poise and grace after going arse over tit in the snow

After an unexpected slip on a snowy path on the way to the train station, businessman James Sterling said he was sure the Xmas crowds that saw his arm-flailing collapse to the pavement and lightning-quick return to his feet had admired the way he managed the situation.

Becoming aware of loitering youths and partying female office workers as his feet scrabbled to gain traction prior to his tumble, Sterling said the question he asked himself at that moment was ‘what would George Clooney do?’: ‘Yes, so I had a pratfall, but I think my wry chuckle and shoulder shrug reaction as I walked away portrayed the idea I may be a goof, but I’m suave too,’ he claimed.

And his post-fall swagger was almost convincing according to one hooded witness ‘although not realising he’d smeared dog shit down the back of his trousers kinda blew it’.